On National Feral Cat Day Cat Corner would like to raise some awareness about feral cats and feral colonies. Many people may have dealt with feral cats or seen cats wandering their community but might not be sure how or if they can help. Through our own experience and education from Alley Cats Allies here are some FAQ regarding feral cats, how they come to be and what you can do to help! What is a feral cat?

A feral cat, also referred to as community cat, is a member of the domestic cat species, but are not socialized to people and are not adoptable.

Where do feral cats come from?

Most feral cats are those that have been previously abandoned by owners, or were kittens that were born outside and never learned to trust humans.

Is a feral cat the same as a stray cat?

Not necessarily. Stray cats are more often previous family pets that were lost or abandoned. They are generally more tolerant of humans and can often be rehabilitated to live in a home environment. Feral cats have lived outside most or all of their lives and often do not trust humans and are much more difficult or impossible to rehabilitate.

How to help feral cats and feral colonies.

Instead of catching and euthanizing feral cats it is actually less costly and more effective to TNR or Trap-Neuter-Return. Groups of cats are territorial often congregating around a food source and if a colony cannot breed they will eventually die off. There are many local organizations who can help with TNR and local low cost spay/neuter clinics willing to fix and vaccinate a feral cat if you can trap it. Clinics will "ear tip" a fixed feral, if you see a cat with their left ear clipped slightly that means they live outside but cannot reproduce.

SPAY and NEUTER your pets! Indoor/outdoor cats who are not fixed might be contributing to the problem of feral cats! Kittens born outside put a huge strain on rescues and shelters and many kittens end up being euthanized because of the limited resources to care for them.

Don't want cats around your house? There are ways to discourage cats from living nearby without killing them or harming them.

It is always good to have an emergency plan in place for both you and your pets in case you are left without power, or need to evacuate your home. It is hurricane season for Hampton VA right now and we at The Cat Corner want to help you make sure your furry family members stay safe! Here are some tips to help you plan ahead:​

Microchip your pet!- Many pets become lost or separated from their owners during emergencies. Help them find their way home by microchiping them and making sure the information is up to date. If a shelter or veterinary hospital takes them in it will be that much easier to identify them and return them back to their owner. Microchiping is inexpensive, and done without the use of anesthesia and is recommended for all pets!

Food & Water- Always be sure to have enough food and water on hand. Purchase additional food ahead of time and in case of need to evacuate store at least a weeks supply in water tight bags (ziplocks work well). Have these bags accessible and ready to go quickly. Don't forget treats! Bring gallon jugs of water and bowls. Tupperwear can double as storage and be used to eat or drink out of.

Carrier- Cats secured in a carrier are less likely to scare and run off. Be sure to give them a comfy blanket and consider lining the bottom with a puppy pad to absorb any accidents. If your cat is not a fan of carriers it can help to use products such as feliway to help them stay calm. If you think you might need to evacuate, securing your cat ahead of time in a small room or a carrier is a good idea.

First Aid- All pet owners should have emergency medical supplies on hand. This includes any of your pets medications (be sure to order more in advance if you are running low!), supplements, or administering supplies. Be sure to gather your pets medical records.

Litter Box, Litter & Scoop- Either purchase an unopened bag of litter or use ziplock bags to carry. Don't forget garbage bags or plastic baggies to dispose of waste! Puppy pads also help to absorb liquids and can be used as a liner to help reduce mess.

Feral Colonies or Strays- If you are worried about your local cats, or manage a feral colony here are some suggestions for keeping those animals safe.

Provide access to high ground.

Secure items that may blow or float away.

Leave extra food out in covered stations.

Secure shelters and position them away from driving rain

For more information on helping community cats during an emergency click here

PLAN AHEAD- If you plan ahead of time you won't be scrambling to get kitty in a carrier while gathering their things. DO NOT leave your pet behind. If conditions are not safe for you, they aren't safe for your pet. Commit to taking them with you. While we focus mostly on cats, we want all pets to be safe. There are many online resources to help you create your emergency preparedness plan.